Favorite Books and Music of 2012 Thus Far

It's hard to believe that 2012 is more than half over. It seems like I was just getting used to writing 2012 down for the date instead of 2011. 2013 will be here before I know it. Like all years, there has been tons of good books released in early 2012. Authors never fail to thrill me with books that somehow manages to differentiate themselves from the millions of books published before them.

Top Ten Young Adult Books of 2012 Thus Far:

*This list only includes released books. Otherwise, The Raven Boys would be high on the list.

**There's a tie for #1. The False Prince wins for the book I most enjoyed. The Fault In Our Stars wins for best writing.

1. The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Sage is plucked from an orphanage and becomes a candidate to impersonate a prince. An entertaining, hilarious, seat of your pants read for all ages. In a world crowded with fantasy adventure series, The False Prince stands out for its fabulous dialogue, enchanting protagonist, and well developed plot.

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Hazel is 16 years old and in a waiting pattern to die from terminal cancer. She meets Augustus Waters, a cancer survivor, and her world turns around. An exceptional book. It's a book you read to fall in love, to learn, and to grow. Every line is quotable. The kind of book that only gets better once you've finished it.

3. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Assassin nuns! Ismae is a new sister at the convent of St. Mortain where the nuns assist the god of death. Ismae is tasked with possibly assassinating a high political official in the Brittany court, but she'll have to get past handsome, smart Duval first. This book has something for everyone: romance, humor, girl power, action, politics, history and more.

4. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

I finished this book a few days ago and it's still haunting me. A WWII book like you've never read. "Queenie" is a young British spy who's been captured by the Germans. She chooses to collaborate and reveal her secrets to stop the torture. Or does she? We learn the story from "Queenie" and her best friend Maddie's point of view. Heartbreaking.

5. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Hadley and Oliver meet on a flight from New York to London and have an immediate connection. A magical story. It may only be 250 pages and take place over 24 hours, but by the end of the story, it feels like Hadley and Oliver have known each other forever and you've been following their lives for years. A book that will put a smile on your face.

6. Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Jordan is an incredible football player who is just one of the guys. Romance doesn't interest her until handsome Ty Green joins the team. But is that the love she should be looking for? A refreshing burst of light in a field of tired contemporary fiction novels. A one-of-a-kind main character that you can't help love, a sweet romance, great examples of friendship, and a prominent family subplot. Fabulous dialogue.

7. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder is a cyborg: a second class citizen in public and within her own family. Until she catches the attention of Prince Kai... A fast moving sci-fi/fantasy/dystopia for the non-sci-fi fan. Cinder features a strong main character who may like having a handsome prince but definitely doesn't need one. Plus it goes far beyond the traditional Cinderalla story. A great debut.

8. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Amy is still grieving the death of her father and is now stuck on a cross country road trip with Roger, a guy she doesn't know. With nothing to do but sight-see and talk, Amy and Roger quickly develop a connection. The book is about two teens' journeys to discover themselves and ultimately, each other. Part armchair travel, part snarky, witty dialogue, part romance, part self-discovery, and part scrapbook. A unique and fun novel.

9. Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Avry heals people and saves them from death, yet she is hunted and feared. She is kidnapped by a rogue group who want to force her to heal someone. During the long journey to the group's homeland, Avry discovers friendship, love, betrayal, and facts that challenge her view of the world. Great world building and a love interest that I really enjoyed.

10. The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Allison has hated and feared the vampire rulers all her life. When she becomes one, she has to adjust to a lonely, painful existence. Still trying to help humans, she joins a ragtag group seeking a cure to the disease that plagues mankind. Fabulous vampire mythology. I loved Allison - a survivor, in ways good and bad. The romance is weak, but Allison's training with her vampire mentor Kanin makes up for it.

Top Ten Songs of 2012 Thus Far

I'm a huge music fan. I know a lot of you are as well. There have been so many great tunes this year. I'm going to do a list of my favorite songs, since I don't have a good list of ten albums. It's hard to choose just ten songs, but I'll try...

1. Love Interruption by Jack White

-Delightfully dark lyrics with a great minor key. I could stare at Jack White all day in this video with his facial expressions.

2. Some Nights by fun.

-By far my favorite fun. song. So much better than "We Are Young," which is also good. The video tells a great story.

3. Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men

-I also love Dirty Paws, Mountain Sound, and everything else on the My Head Is An Animal album.

4. Somebody I Used to Know by Gotye

-No matter how many times I hear this song, I don't get sick of it.

5. Simple Song by The Shins

-One of my favorite bands. I also love The Rifle's Spiral on the Port of Morrow album.

6. Ho Hey by The Lumineers

-You need some cheering up? Just watch this video. Impossible not to smile at the pure joy.

7. Lonely Boy by The Black Keys

-I love all the songs on the El Camino album

8. Carry On by fun.

-I like the acoustic video a bit more than the version on the album.

9. Eyes Wide Open by Gotye

-Not played as much on commercial radio, but a catchy tune.

10. Set Fire to the Rain by Adele

-Rivals Rolling in the Deep for my favorite Adele song.